U.S. patent number 10,670,485 [Application Number 15/928,430] was granted by the patent office on 2020-06-02 for pressure sensor unit with rectangular gasket.
This patent grant is currently assigned to VEONEER US INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is VEONEER US INC.. Invention is credited to Jacob Pusheck.
United States Patent |
10,670,485 |
Pusheck |
June 2, 2020 |
Pressure sensor unit with rectangular gasket
Abstract
An apparatus includes a gasket and a housing assembly. The
gasket may have (i) a base portion, (ii) a column portion and (iii)
a passage in communication with an exterior of the apparatus. The
housing assembly may have a sealing edge and may be configured to
hold a sensor. The sealing edge may seal to the base portion of the
gasket. The sensor (a) may seal to the column portion of the gasket
and (b) may be in communication with the exterior of the apparatus
through the passage.
Inventors: |
Pusheck; Jacob (West
Bloomfield, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VEONEER US INC. |
Southfield |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
VEONEER US INC. (Southfield,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
65904579 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/928,430 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190293513 A1 |
Sep 26, 2019 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01L
19/0007 (20130101); G01L 19/0038 (20130101); G01L
19/141 (20130101); G01L 19/147 (20130101); G01L
19/0654 (20130101); G01L 19/0672 (20130101); G01L
19/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01L
19/14 (20060101); G01L 19/06 (20060101); G01L
19/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;73/756 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102013208537 |
|
Jul 2014 |
|
DE |
|
2938986 |
|
Nov 2015 |
|
EP |
|
3270133 |
|
Jan 2018 |
|
EP |
|
Primary Examiner: Williams; Jamel E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Christopher P. Maiorana, PC
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An apparatus comprising: a gasket having (i) a base portion,
(ii) a column portion and (iii) a passage in communication with an
exterior of said apparatus, wherein said column portion comprises a
slot with an embedded support configured to stiffen said column
portion; and a housing assembly having a sealing edge and
configured to hold a sensor, wherein (i) said sealing edge seals to
said base portion of said gasket, and (ii) said sensor (a) seals to
said column portion of said gasket and (b) is in communication with
said exterior of said apparatus through said passage.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (i) said gasket has
a rectangular shape and (ii) said sensor comprises a gas pressure
sensor.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensor measures
an air pressure inside a motor vehicle.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rib (i)
located about said column portion and (ii) configured to seal to an
inside surface of said sealing edge.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a groove
(i) in said base portion and (ii) configured to seal to said
sealing edge.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a dimple
(i) disposed on said column portion and (ii) configured to bias
said sensor into said housing assembly.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said embedded
support comprises a plurality of posts fabricated as part of a base
assembly or part of said column portion of said gasket.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein (i) said column
portion comprises an angled portion and (ii) said angled portion is
configured to seal to an inside surface of said sealing edge.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said sealing edge
further comprises a ridge configured to seal to an outside surface
of said column portion.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sealing edge
further comprises a bend portion configured to seal to said column
portion.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a face of said
column portion that seals to said sensor is curved prior to being
compressed by said sensor.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said face is
approximately flat while being compressed by said sensor.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a base
assembly comprising (i) a surface to support said gasket and (ii) a
mounting feature configured to be attached to a structure.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sealing edge
imposes a deformation of no greater than approximately 0.65
millimeters in said column portion.
15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sealing edge
imposes an elastic strain of no greater than approximately 0.45
millimeters per millimeter in column portion.
16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sealing edge
imposes a pressure of no greater than approximately 0.021
megapascal on said column portion.
17. An apparatus comprising: a base assembly having (i) a first
passage in communication with an exterior of said apparatus, (ii) a
mounting feature configured to be attached to a structure, and
(iii) a support surface; a gasket disposed on said support surface
of said base assembly and having (i) a base portion, (ii) a column
portion and (iii) a second passage aligned with said first passage;
and a housing assembly having a sealing edge and configured to hold
a sensor, wherein (i) said sealing edge seals to said base portion
of said gasket, and (ii) said sensor (a) seals to said column
portion of said gasket and (b) is in communication with said
exterior of said apparatus through said first passage and said
second passage.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein (i) said gasket
has a rectangular shape and (ii) said sensor comprises a gas
pressure sensor configured to measure an air pressure inside a
motor vehicle.
19. An apparatus comprising: a gasket having (i) a base portion,
(ii) a column portion and (iii) a passage in communication with an
exterior of said apparatus; and a housing assembly having a sealing
edge and configured to hold a sensor, wherein (i) said sealing edge
seals to said base portion of said gasket, and (ii) said sensor (a)
seals to said column portion of said gasket, (b) is in
communication with said exterior of said apparatus through said
passage, and (c) measures an air pressure inside a motor
vehicle.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said gasket
comprises angled portion is configured to seal to an inside surface
of said sealing edge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to vehicle sensors generally and, more
particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for implementing a
pressure sensor unit with a rectangular gasket.
BACKGROUND
Pressure sensors conventionally operate in moisture-rich
environments and therefore are sealed inside a housing. To
accomplish the sealing, a gasket is commonly used with the sensor
to control the environment to which the sensor is exposed. However,
leaks around the gasket cause problems for the sensor measurements
and communication.
It would be desirable to implement a pressure sensor unit with a
rectangular gasket.
SUMMARY
The invention concerns an apparatus including a gasket and a
housing assembly. The gasket may have (i) a base portion, (ii) a
column portion and (iii) a passage in communication with an
exterior of the apparatus. The housing assembly may have a sealing
edge and may be configured to hold a sensor. The sealing edge may
seal to the base portion of the gasket. The sensor (a) may seal to
the column portion of the gasket and (b) may be in communication
with the exterior of the apparatus through the passage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following
detailed description and the appended claims and drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a gasket of the sensor unit in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a top view of the gasket in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the gasket in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional simulation of a
total deformation in the gasket in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional simulation of an
equivalent elastic strain in the gasket in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional simulation of a
pressure between the sensor and the gasket in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a central region of the gasket in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another central region of the
gasket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a partial view of the central
region of FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating simulated pressures for various
shapes of column portions in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a top view of the simulated
pressures from FIG. 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention; and
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a curved free end of a column
portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention include providing a pressure
sensor unit with a rectangular gasket that may (i) increase sealing
performance compared with conventional seals, (ii) provide multiple
sealing areas, (iii) include a dimple to bias a sensor in a
predetermined direction, (iv) include a pneumatic passage to the
sensor, (v) be cost effective, (vi) allow for interchangeable
mounting configurations, (vii) incorporate one or more integrated
circuits and/or (viii) be implemented using one or more plastic
assembly fabrication techniques.
Embodiments of the invention generally provide a pressure sensor
unit (or device) with an improved environment sealing performance.
Pieces of the pressure sensor unit may be assembled using snap fit
and/or plastic welded methods. The pressure sensor unit may include
a base assembly and a housing assembly. A gasket within the
pressure sensor unit may provide both a circular outer sealing
surface (or region) and a rectangular inner sensor sealing surface
(or region). A passage (or vent) in a center of the gasket
generally allows a pressure signal to be transmitted to the
pressure sensor from outside the pressure sensor unit.
The outer sealing surface may provide an initial barrier between an
exterior environment and a pressure sensor inside the pressure
sensor unit. The outer sealing surface generally provides an
annular compression surface (or region) to engage a sealing portion
of the housing assembly. The outer sealing surface may include an
angled surface (or region) against which the sealing surface also
mates. The angled outer surface generally provides an increased
surface-to-surface area to prevent contamination (e.g., water)
intrusion. The angled surface may result in smaller high-pressure
contact areas where the sealing portion engages the gasket. The
angled surface may also increase a sealing force as a pressure
differential rises, thereby making the seal more reliable.
The sensor sealing surface of the gasket may provide one or more
additional barriers between the exterior environment and an active
side of the pressure sensor. The sensor sealing surface may be
raised relative to the surrounding outer sealing surface of the
gasket. The raised sensor sealing surface generally provides extra
compression on the sensor to provide electrical connection as well
as deformation that wraps around the sensor thereby creating an
additional seal. An optional dimple on a face of the raised sensor
sealing surface may provide additional force to ensure proper
orientation of the sensor against a set of electrical contacts. The
raised portion of the gasket may also include an optional rib that
forms another sealing surface. An optional groove in a central
portion of the gasket may provide still another sealing
surface.
Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrating an example
implementation of a sensor unit 100 is shown in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The sensor unit (or apparatus, or
system, or device) 100 generally implements a gas pressure sensor
suitable for use in automotive applications. The sensor unit 100
generally comprises a base assembly 102, a housing assembly 104,
and a gasket 106.
The base assembly 102 may include a mounting feature 110, multiple
tabs 112a-112n and an optional coupler 114. A passage 116 may be
formed through the base assembly 102 and the coupler 114. The base
assembly 102 may be formed of a hard plastic material and has a
generally circular shape. The materials used to fabricate the base
assembly 102 may include, but are not limited to, polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT) and nylon, and are usually glass filled. The
base assembly 102 may be fabricated by injection molding.
The mounting feature 110 may be implemented as a mounting boss. The
mounting feature 110 may secure the pressure sensor unit 100 to a
structure of a motor vehicle (e.g., automobile, truck, train and
the like). The mounting feature 110 may be customized to meet the
mounting criteria of a particular application. The uniqueness of
the mounting feature 110 may result in a family of base assemblies
102. The housing assembly 104 may be interchangeable among
different styles of base assemblies 102. Each type of base assembly
102 may have a common set of features to connect with a single type
of housing assembly 104, and a unique set of features to account
for the different installation criteria.
The tabs 112a-112n may implement snap-on tabs. The tabs 112a-112n
may form a ring around the gasket 106. The tabs 112a-112n are
generally operational to engage (e.g., snap to) the housing
assembly 104. In various embodiments, the snapping (or locking) may
not be reversible. In other embodiments, the tabs 112a-112n may be
configured to both engage with and disengage from the housing
assembly 104 a number of times.
The coupler 114 may implement an optional gas coupler (or fitting).
Where implemented, the coupler 114 may provide a surface to connect
a hose or pipe containing the gas pressure signal to be measured by
the pressure sensor unit 100. In various embodiments, the coupler
114 may be eliminated where the pressure sensor unit 100 is
measuring the surrounding environmental pressure.
The housing assembly 104 may include an annular sealing edge 120, a
connector 122 and an optional inner sealing edge 126. The housing
assembly 104 may be formed of the same hard plastic material used
to create the base assembly 102. The sealing edge 120 may be
configured to form an environmental seal with the gasket 106 while
the housing assembly 104 is mated to the base assembly 102. The
sealing edge 120 may also be configured to engage with the tabs
112a-112n to hold the housing assembly 104 to the base assembly
102. The inner sealing edge 126 may be configured to form one or
more environmental seals with a central region of the gasket 106.
The connector 122 may be configured to connect to an external
harness with an electrical connector 90 to convey electrical power
and electrical signals.
The housing assembly 104 may support a pressure sensor 124. The
pressure sensor 124 may be configured to sense a gas (or pneumatic
or air) pressure signal received through the passage 116 of the
base assembly 102 and another passage through the gasket 106. The
pressure sensor 124 is generally operational to convert a measured
gas pressure into an electrical signal. The pressure sensor 124 may
be fabricated as one or more integrated circuits. Electrical power
for the pressure sensor 124 may be received through the connectors
90 and 122. Measured data generated by the pressure sensor 124 may
be transferred out of the pressure sensor unit 100 through the
connectors 122 and 90.
The gasket 106 is generally symmetrical in shape. In various
embodiments, (see FIG. 2), the gasket 106 generally comprises a
passage (or vent) 136, a base portion 140, a column portion 142, a
face 144 of the column portion 142, an optional dimple 146, an
optional rib 148 and an optional groove 150. In some embodiments
(see FIG. 1), the gasket 106 generally comprises a compression (or
annual) region 130, a sloped (or angled) region 132 and a central
(or raised) region 134. The passage 136 may extend through the
gasket 106, including the central region 134.
The compression region 130 generally extends around an outer
perimeter of the gasket 106. The sloped region 132 may extend
around the gasket 106 inside the compression region 130. The angled
surface of the sloped region 132 may increase a sealing force as a
pressure differential rises, thereby making the seal more
reliable.
The central region 134 may be offset perpendicular to the
compression region 130 projected toward the sensor 124. The central
region 134 generally has a rectangular shape. An open face of the
central region 134 may align and seal to the sensor 124 while the
housing assembly 104 is connected to the base assembly 102.
The passage 136 may be aligned at one end with the passage 116 in
the base assembly 102. The passage 136 may be aligned at the
opposite end with an active side of the pressure sensor 124. In
various embodiments, the gasket 106 may be fabricated from a
resilient material. The gasket 106 may be fabricated using a
two-shot injection molding onto the base assembly 102, fabricated
separately and subsequently placed on the base assembly 102, or
fabricated by any common techniques. Material for the gasket 106
may include, but is not limited to silicone-based material,
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) material and thermoplastic rubber
material. Other materials may be implemented to meet the design
criteria of a particular application. An overall thickness of the
gasket 106 may range from approximately 2 millimeters (mm) to
approximately 5 mm. Additional details about the pressure sensor
unit 100 may be found in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.
15/924,896, filed Mar. 19, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrating an example
implementation of the central region 134 of the gasket 102 is shown
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The central
region 134 generally comprises the base portion 140 and the column
portion 142. The column portion 142 may have a smaller
cross-sectional area than the base portion 140, as shown. In
various embodiments, the face (or surface) 144 of the column
portion 142 may have dimensions larger than a matching surface of
the sensor 124. The passage 136 may extend through the base portion
140, the column portion 142 and is exposed at the face 144. The
dimple 146 may be included on the face 144 to help bias the sensor
124 against supports and electrical connectors within the housing
assembly 104. Additional details of the biasing of the sensor 124
may be found in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/938,667,
filed Mar. 28, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety. An optional rib 148 may be provided circumventing the
column portion 142. The rib 148 may be located between the face 144
and the base portion 140. An optional groove 150 may be provided in
the base portion 140. The groove 150 may circle the column portion
142. In some embodiments, the gasket 106 may be implemented as only
the central region 134.
Referring to FIG. 3, a diagram illustrating a top view of the
central region 134 of the gasket 106 is shown in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The passage 136 may be centered on the
base portion 140 and the column portion 142. The dimple 146 is
generally disposed between the passage 136 and an outer edge of the
column portion 142. The rib 148 generally protrudes outward from
the column portion 142.
In various embodiments, the base portion 140 of the central region
134 may have dimensions of (i) approximately 6 millimeters (mm) to
approximately 12 mm by (ii) approximately 4 mm to approximately 6
mm. A thickness of the base portion 140 may range from
approximately 1 mm to 2 mm. The column portion 142 of the central
region 134 may have dimensions of (i) approximately 4 millimeters
(mm) to approximately 8 mm by (ii) approximately 2 mm to
approximately 4 mm. A total thickness of the central region 134 may
be in a range from approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm. A
total thickness of the central region 134 (e.g., a thickness of the
base portion 140 and the column portion 142) may range from
approximately 2 mm to 5 mm. Other dimensions may be implemented to
meet the design criteria of a particular application.
Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrating parameters of a
two-dimensional simulation of the central region 134 of the gasket
106 when compressed by the sensor 124 is shown in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The column portion 142 in the
two-dimensional simulations may have a wall dimension 156 in width
and a wall dimension 158 in height. The passage 136 may have a
dimension 160 in width. The sensor 124 may have a dimension 162 in
width. The simulations 180 (FIG. 5), 200 (FIG. 6) and 220 (FIG. 7)
may be based on the dimension 156 at 2.25 mm, the dimension 158 at
3 mm, the dimension 160 at 1.5 mm, and the dimension 162 at 4.4 mm.
Material thicknesses 164 and 166 on either side of column portion
142 may be simulated with different thicknesses. In particular, the
simulations generally have the thickness 164 greater than the
thickness 166 to illustrate an impact of the material thickness on
the deformation, elastic strain and pressure.
Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional
simulation 180 of a total deformation in the central region 134 of
the gasket 106 when compressed by the sensor 124 is shown in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The simulated
deformation is generally illustrated in units of millimeters
(mm).
The deformation in an area 182 generally ranges from zero mm to
approximately 0.046 mm. Within an area 184, the deformation may
range from approximately 0.046 mm to approximately 0.092 mm. The
deformation in an area 186 may range from approximately 0.092 mm to
approximately 0.140 mm. In an area 188, the deformation may range
from approximately 0.140 mm to approximately 0.232 mm. In an area
190, the deformation may range from approximately 0.232 mm to
approximately 0.325 mm. The deformation in an area 192 may be from
approximately 0.325 mm to approximately 0.557 mm. In an area 194,
the deformation may range from approximately 0.557 mm to
approximately 0.65 mm. Compression of the sensor 124 into the
central region 134 may cause a face of the column portion 140 to
wrap around the engaged corners of the sensor 124. The wrapping
generally increases a sealing area between the sensor 124 and the
central region 134. The simulations generally show that the maximum
deformation is within specified limits.
Referring to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional
simulation 200 of an equivalent elastic strain in the gasket 106
when compressed by the sealing edge 120 is shown in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The simulated elastic strain is
generally illustrated in units of millimeters per millimeter
(mm/mm).
The elastic strain in an area 202 generally ranges from zero mm/mm
to approximately 0.113 mm/mm. Within an area 204, the elastic
strain may range from approximately 0.113 mm/mm to approximately
0.226 mm/mm. The elastic strain in the area 206 may range from
approximately 0.226 mm/mm to approximately 0.339 mm/mm. In an area
208, the elastic strain may range from approximately 0.339 mm/mm to
approximately 0.452 mm/mm. Strain between the sensor 124 and the
central region 134, as illustrated, is generally uniform where the
sensor 124 contacts the central region 134. The simulations
generally show that the maximum elastic strain is within specified
limits.
Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional
simulation 220 of a pressure between the sensor 124 and the gasket
106 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
simulated pressure is generally illustrated in units of megapascals
(MPa).
In an area 222, the pressure may range from zero MPa to
approximately 0.003 MPa. The pressure may range from approximately
0.003 MPa to approximately 0.006 MPa in the area 224. The pressure
may range from approximately 0.006 MPa to approximately 0.012 MPa
in the area 226. In the area 228, the pressure may range from
approximately 0.012 MPa to approximately 0.015 MPa. Pressures from
approximately 0.015 MPa to approximately 0.021 MPa may be
illustrated in the area 230. The simulation 220 generally shows a
consistent pressure where the sensor 124 engages the central region
134. The consistent pressure may be useful in maintaining a seal
between the sensor 124 and the gasket 106. The pressure is
generally above a minimum pressure parameter specified to maintain
a seal during a sudden pressure rise event.
Referring to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrating an example design
involving just the central region 134 of the gasket 106 is shown in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The base assembly
102 may include multiple tabs 118a-118n. One or more of the tabs
118a-118n may include an opening 119a-119n. The inner sealing edge
126 of the housing assembly 104 may be implemented as multiple
inner sealing edges 126a-126n. One or more of the inner sealing
edges 126a-126n may include a tooth 128a-128n that engages the
corresponding openings 119a-119n to lock the housing assembly 104
to the base assembly 102. Electrical connectors 240 and 242 may be
included in the housing assembly 104 to provide electrical power to
the sensor 124 and convey data generated by the sensor 124 to an
electronic control unit.
Referring to FIG. 9, a diagram illustrating an example design of
another central region 134a of the gasket 106 is shown in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The central region
134a may be a variation of the central region 134. The central
region 134a may include slots for multiple embedded posts 250a-250n
and an angled portion 252.
The embedded posts 250a-250n may be aligned with the outer edges of
the sensor 124. The embedded posts 250a-250n may be operational to
provide additional support (or stiffness) in the central region
134a. In various embodiments, the embedded posts 250a-250n may be
fabricated from plastic as part of the base assembly 102 and the
central region 134a of the gasket 106 formed around the posts
250a-250n. In some embodiments, the embedded posts 250a-250n may be
fabricated as part of the gasket 106 prior to mounting to the base
assembly 102.
The angled portion 252 may expand the size of the central region
134a to accommodate the embedded posts 250a-250n. The angled
portion 252 may be formed at an angle 254 in a range of 5 degrees
to 60 degrees as measured from a wall of the central region 134a.
Other angles may be implemented to meet the design criteria of a
particular application.
Referring to FIG. 10, a diagram illustrating a partial view of the
central region 134a is shown in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. Multiple seal areas 260-266 may be created between
the housing assembly 104 and the base assembly 102. The sensor 124
may produce a seal area 260 to the open face 144 of a column
portion 142a. Portions of the inner sealing edges 126a-126n may
produce additional seal areas 262, 264 and 266 with the column
portion 142a.
The seal area 262 may be created by a bend portion of the inner
sealing edges 126a-126n engaging the outer walls of the column
portion 142a near the free end of the column portion 142a. The free
end of the column portion 142a may have slightly larger dimensions
than the spacing of the inner sealing edges 126a-126n. As the inner
sealing edges 126a-126n are moved toward the base assembly 102
(downward in the figure), the inner sealing edges 126a-126n may
contact and compress the gasket material in the column portion 142a
thereby forming the seal area 262. Each inner sealing edge
126a-126n may include a ridge (or rib) facing inward toward the
angled portion 252. The ridge may contact and compress the angled
portion 252 to form the seal area 264. The ends of the inner
sealing edges 126a-126n may provide the seal area 266 with the
groove in the base portion 140.
Referring to FIG. 11, diagrams 280 illustrating an example of
simulated pressures for various shapes of column portions is shown
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A column portion
142b may have a squared-off free end. A resulting pressure
distribution 282 created by the sensor 124 being compressed onto
the free end may have a high peak pressure 284 near the outer edges
of the sensor 124. A column portion 142c may have a rounded profile
at the free end. A resulting pressure distribution 286 created by
the sensor 124 being compressed onto the free end may have a high
peak pressure 288 nearer the center of the sensor 124 as compared
with the pressure distribution 282.
Referring to FIG. 12, diagrams 300 illustrating a top view of the
simulated pressures from FIG. 11 is shown in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The column portions 142b and 142c may
both experience low (e.g., zero) pressure in the area of the
passage 136. The column portion 142b may experience the high
pressure 304 in a narrow band around a periphery where the sensor
124 compresses the gasket material. The area between the high
pressure 304 and the low pressure 302 may experience a range of
intermediate pressures 306. By curving the free end, the column
portion 142c may experience the high pressure 304 over a larger
band around the periphery. An area of the intermediate pressures
306 may be reduced to a smaller area around the passage 136. As a
result, the column portion 142c may provide a more robust seal to
the sensor 124 than the column portion 142b.
Referring to FIG. 13, a diagram 320 illustrating an example design
of a curved free end of a column portion 142d is shown in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The column portion
142d may be a variation of the column portion 142c. Prior to
compressing the sensor 124 with the column portion 142d (e.g., left
side of the diagram 320), the column portion 142d may have a curved
profile 322 that is taller nearer a center of the column portion
142d. After the sensor 124 and the column portion 142d are
compressed (e.g., right side of the diagram 320), the sensor 124
may essentially flatten the free end of the column portion 142d.
The resulting seal between the sensor 124 and the column portion
142d may maintain a high pressure over a significant portion of the
sensor face thereby provide a good seal.
The structures illustrated in the diagrams of FIGS. 1 to 13 may be
designed, modeled, emulated, and/or simulated using one or more of
a conventional general purpose processor, digital computer,
microprocessor, microcontroller, distributed computer resources
and/or similar computational machines, programmed according to the
teachings of the present specification, as will be apparent to
those skilled in the relevant art(s). Appropriate software,
firmware, coding, routines, instructions, opcodes, microcode,
and/or program modules may readily be prepared by skilled
programmers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as
will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s). The
software is generally embodied in a medium or several media, for
example non-transitory storage media, and may be executed by one or
more of the processors sequentially or in parallel.
Data signals generated by the sensor units (or devices) may be
transferred to one or more electronic control units. The electronic
control units may utilize the sensor data in one or more transport
vehicle functions including, but not limited to, engine control,
transmission control, braking control, battery management, steering
control, door control, human machine interface, seat control, speed
control, restraint systems control, vehicle-to-vehicle
communications and diagnostics. The electronic control units may
include capabilities to adjust the sensor data to account for
calibration issues, environmental factors and aging components.
The terms "may" and "generally" when used herein in conjunction
with "is(are)" and verbs are meant to communicate the intention
that the description is exemplary and believed to be broad enough
to encompass both the specific examples presented in the disclosure
as well as alternative examples that could be derived based on the
disclosure. The terms "may" and "generally" as used herein should
not be construed to necessarily imply the desirability or
possibility of omitting a corresponding element.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be
made without departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *